Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 8 th October in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)

Mr T. Edwards

Mr M. Ephgrave

Mr S. Fish

Mr S. Langton

Mrs P. Livesey

Mr I. Pacey

Mr B.Padgett

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

Cllr J. Clarke, Cllr T. Rogers : .

•  Public Forum: Miss D. Tomsett (98 Shefford Road ) and a friend from Pedley Lane attended to present fears about possible development to the rear of their properties and the consequent destruction of wildlife habitats. It was noted that at present there had been no applications for planning. The Council agreed to seek advice from Mr A. Oughton, an ecologist resident in the village and to also register its concern with Central Bedfordshire.

2. Declaration of Interests: There were none.

3. Apologies: Apologies were presented by Mrs I. Cook and Mr S. Melia

4. Casual Vacancy It was noted that there had been no request for an election and the Parish Council was asked to fill the vacancy by co-option.. Mrs Livesey proposed that Mr S. Langton should be invited to fill the vacancy, seconded by Mr Padgett and unanimously agreed... There being no other nominee, Mr Langton was welcomed to the Council .meeting.

5. Police Report: No police report was presented.

6. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 10 th September 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council were agreed to be a true record and were signed. :

7. Matters arising :

7. 1 War Memorial : It was reported that the base stone had now been installed and the memorial stone would shortly be erected. Mr Livesey reported that he was asking whether it would be possible to hang the wreaths and had also requested that the stone be covered until Remembrance Sunday when the memorial would be rededicated by Rev. C. Topley. It was proposed that invitations be sent to Madeline Russell, leader of the former Beds. County Council, Mrs T.Turner, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, a representative from that authority, Mr N. Germann representing Dawson's and the British Legion to attend. Mr Livesey noted that he was trying to ascertain the position regarding damages. Mr Stevens suggested that the value of the restored memorial should be regularly re-assessed and this was agreed.

7.2 Allotments: Mr Livesey reported that he had been approached by the occupant of 27 Brickle Place offering the use of his garden as an allotment. A list of those interested in having an allotment had been obtained and this would be passed to the resident to make his own choice and arrangement.- .

7.3 Village of the Year Mr Livesey made a brief report on the visit of the regional judges and outlined the future process of the selection of the Calor Village of the Year.?

7.4 Audit: The Annual Return for the year ending 31 st March 2009 had now been audited. The Council noted the auditor's issues arising report and accepted and approved the Annual Return .

7.5 Bank signatory: This matter is still in hand .

7.6 Bus shelter The matter is in hand.

7.7 CPRE meeting : A short report on the meeting held on 28 th September attended by Mrs Livesey, Mr Pacey and Mr Padgett was given.

7.8 R. Bullen : A letter of thanks had been sent as requested. wrote to him on behalf of Parish Council.

7..9 Mrs Endersby: It was reported that a letter of apology had been sent. Mrs Livesey had asked for the area to be inspected and it would be looked at again..

7.10 Mrs Davidson: It was noted that this had been discussed in the Playing Field meeting.

7.11Mrs Chiswell It was noted that this letter had been discussed in the Playing Field meeting

7.12Central Bedfordshire had confirmed Clifton House Gardens as the name for the new development in the grounds of Clifton House.

7.13 Central Beds Local Development Framework (North) Site Allocations DPD: Site Assessment Criteria : The Parish Council's suggested criteria had been submitted.

7.14 Mr Ansell Carter resignation: The Chairman read a letter from Mr I. Ansell Carter resigning from the post of Assistant Caretaker. It was agreed that the vacancy should be advertised in the columns of Clifton Chronicles and on the noticeboards.

7.15: The order for this had been confirmed.

7.16: Street lining: The experiment of only putting road markings on bends had not been a success and the Highways department had been requested to restore the white lines.

7.17 Electricity supply; It was noted that purchasing electricity through Laser were being considered.

7.18 Dogs on Playing Field: It was proposed that Mrs Livesey and Dr. Puritz should undertake to progress this matter.

8. Outstanding Matters: Lists of outstanding matters were circulated to the committees.

9. Correspondence :

9.1 Barclays Bank plc: Mr Livesey and Mr Stevens reported that on advice they had taken out a bond for £30,000 maturing on 9 th July 2010 with a gross rate of 2% p.a

9.2 Paul Masters: The Chairman submitted a letter urging the Parish Council to attend and speak at the Development meeting on 21 st October 2009 concerning the development behind 65 Shefford Road.. The contents of this letter were noted. It was further noted that the Chairman had received a letter from the occupant who felt the Council had been biased in its comments submitted to the planning authority. The Chairman had responded..

9.3 Central Bedfordshire Council.: Notices of road closure for surface dressing and repair in part of Stockbridge Road ,Clifton /Shefford Road/Pedley Lane and New Road.

9.4 Central Bedfordshire: Local Democracy Week: Invitation to take part in “Political Speed dating” Mr Padgett

9.5 Bedfordshire .Association of Town and Parish Councils: Notice of Annual General Meeting on Thursday 22 nd October 2009 at St Mark's Church Community Centre, Brickhill at 7.30 pm

Local Council Review

10. Playing Fields Committee

The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 15 th September 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

10.1 Anti-glare on windows . MBJ Windows had now fitted this. .

10.2 Water heater in Gents Toilet. It was reported that the replacement part had been fitted but it appeared it was not working Mr Stevens undertook to speak to Mr Good .

10.3 Sweeping car park :. It was agreed that another visit was now necessary.

10.4 . Football Matters .The Chairman was considering a solution to the problem of the muddy slope from the changing room.to the field.

10.5 Safety lights Mr S. Nott was shortly going in to fit sensor lights to the rear of the building to act as a deterrent

10.6 Electricity Meter: It was noted that at present the meter has a maximum capacity of 48 kva but this is not being fully utilised. Mr Stevens had learned how to read it and proposed to take readings over a period to assess the demand. At present the readings were: 3460 max demand and 3280 max demand..

10.7One of the tables in the hall was broken. A replacement leg had been received and Mr Stevens undertook to fit it

10.8 Dog fouling Following the resolution passed at the previous meeting Mr Stevens had obtained guidance on Dog Control Orders which he had circulated to members with a request that all read them and considered them carefully. Henlow Parish Council had successfully implemented these but the orders were not enforced. It was noted that following discussions with Mr Whittaker control orders without an enforcement method is pointless. Other parishes might be interested in employing a Dog Warden to patrol and enforce orders. Shefford Town and Henlow Parish Councils had already indicated that they would be interested. Mr Whittaker had been asked to set up a meeting for interested parishes to explore the way ahead. Mr Darnell expressed dissatisfaction at the lack of progress and it was agreed that the committee should go ahead with seeking to impose a banning order..

10.9Flood-lighting : Mr Nott is to be asked to change the lamps in the existing floodlights and install a third light.. .

10.10 Tables and Chairs It was noted that some of those requiring cleaning had been put away with the remainder..

10.11Gutters Mr Bullen and Mr Livesey had repaired the leaking gutters..

10.12. Mr Good had been advised that the under counter water heater in the bar needed attention.Mr Stevens undertook to contact him.

10.13 Clifton Rainbows Negotiations to move the Rainbows cupboard into the store were under

10:14 Carer's Café: This was at present on hold .

10.15 Mr M. Meadows, 209 Yew Tree Walk, A letter of apology had been sent to Mr Meadows. Other complaints had been received in the past month but since the footballers had put up nets before each game there had been no further complaints . The new fence was commended.

10.16 Community Centre closure : It was noted that the floor had been stripped and re-polished and Mr Stevens thanked Mr Ephgrave for his help in this job. He also asked that a letter be sent to Mr Cobb who had also helped. It was noted this letter had been sent.

10.17. Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's, and Mr Ferguson's accounts had been authorised.

(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of £1123.64 of income over expenditure.

(c) The Forward Plan was presented and expenditure to date noted.

10.18Correspondence ; (a) Mr I. Ansell Carter: Letter of resignation from the post of Assistant Caretaker. The Committee expressed their sadness at this resignation and asked that a letter of thanks and good wishes be sent to Mr Ansell Carter. There was a brief discussion about finding a replacement and It was noted that Mr John Pasquet would be prepared to help out with the morning opening.for the time being. It was agreed that a replacement should be sought through the columns of Clifton Chronicles.

(b)5.2 Food Hygiene Self Assessment Form:

(c)Forde and McHugh: Estimates and reports on the condition of the floodlights on the carpark. Report 1 stated that the condition of the columns was very poor. The cost of repainting them would be £1762.62 but warned that there was very little life left in the columns. Report 2 estimated the cost of replacing the 6 columns and lights at £5989.62 or {if the Parish Council wanted the columns only) £4291.56. Mr Stevens suggested and the remainder of the Committee agreed that the Committee had no option but to recommend that the columns and lights were replaced as a matter of some urgency.

(d) Tessa Chiswell: Letter of complaint at being asked to moderate volume of music during classes. Her complaint was noted and after discussion it was suggested that since it was Parish Council meetings that were most affected thought should be given to holding the Parish Council on a different evening.

(e)Mrs Julie Davidson: Request to have play equipment suitable for the under five age group on the playing field. It was agreed to consider this request and obtain a catalogue from Wicksteed to look at suitable equipment and to ask the Parent and Toddler group for their recommendations. Mr Ephgrave proposed and seconded by Mrs Cook that the Council should delay installing the Xerscape equipment and provide the under 5's with some equipment first..

10.19Any other Business (a) Football Matters (i) The football teams were going to erect a more permanent net fence and had ordered a special sports net fpr this purpose at a cost of £75.00. Mr Ephgrave proposed seconded by Mrs Cook that this money should be refunded subject to the approval of the Parish Council.

(ii) The line marker had been re-vamped.

iiiThe Sunday teams had asked if they could pay their dues in two instalments. It was suggested that at the meeting fixing the budget for the next season a proposal should be made that payments should be due on 31 st August and 31 st January..

(iv) The football teams were looking into the possibility of erecting advertising hoardings round the pitch as a means of raising revenue.

(v) An estimate should be obtained for floodlights on the end of the building. Steve Nott should also put a small distribution box in.

(vi) A new padlock is required for the tractor shed. Mrs Yarwood was asked to obtain the name of the grease used by Mr Ansell Carter to ease sticking locks.

bCaretaker's remarks: (i) Various leaks. It was suggested that she should let the plumber know about these.

(ii) A paper towel holder and paper towels were needed in the disabled toilet.

(iii) There is a need for safety lights along the paths around the building . A quotation for these must be obtained.

The report was then adopted. The Council agreed that the estimate from Forde and Mchugh should be accepted and the work put in hand as a matter of some urgency..

11. Highways Committee

The report of the meeting held on Thursday 17 th September 2009 a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

11.1 War Memorial: The names on the stone had been blacked in. Mr Livesey had spoken to Nick Germann asking him to have it installed by Remembrance Sunday. The Committee asked for an idea of when that would be. Mr Livesey undertook to obtain this and also to ask whether it would be possible to modify the structure in order that the wreaths could be hung on the memorial. It was suggested that Rev Caron Topley should re-dedicate the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday. .

11.2 Allotments: There was nothing further to report. Mrs Livesey noted that when she had attended the Green Infrastructure meeting on the previous night the need for allotments had been put on the “wish list”.

11.3 Hedgecutting The quality of the cutting in Broad Street was criticised . The Clerk was asked to establish who was responsible for this. A resident from New Road had previously complained to the Clerk about the state of the hedge and ditch in the vicinity of Mount Pleasant The Committee re-affirmed the fact that it was the responsibility of Central Bedfordshire to notify private owners if there were complaints about overgrown hedges.. The hedge in Pedley Lane did not appear to be overgrown at present but the situation will continue to be monitored.

11.4 Grassed Area at entrance to Community Centre. Aragon was not in favour of installing Enviroscape” matting and favoured installing bollards to prevent parking on the grassed area . The Clerk reported that during a Community Walkabout the area had been surveyed and suggestions about future parking in the area made. .

11.5 Pot holes etc. It was reported that a letter asking for the support of the governors of Samuel Whitbread Community College in requesting a 20 mph speed limit around the college had been sent. No reply to this letter had been received and it was determined to try and contact the Chairman by e-mail. It was also noted that many cars were being parked on both sides of Shefford Road near the school and it was agreed to contact Pc Steve Busby about this obstruction.

11.6 Free Tree A site had been selected for this..

11.7 Bollards outside Admiral PH . Replacement small cannon type bollards had now been installed and a note of thanks had been sent to Jill Cross for arranging this.

11.8 The hanging baskets would need some attention as they were beginning to look faded.

11.9 . Section 106 Agreements : Clarification on the position concerning monies due to the Parish Council through Section 106 Agreements was being sought.. It was agreed a letter should be sent to Central Beds expressing the Council's desire to be consulted on the use of any residual monies arising from the Clifton Fields development.

11.10 Provision of bus shelter: Martin Daniels had given permission to site a bus shelter on his land outside the One Stop with certain conditions. It was agreed to discover the supplier of those near Samuel Whitbread as a similar model would be ideal..

11.11Hedge at Folkestone House: This needs cutting back. The Clerk would speak to Mr and Mrs Burke about this

11.12Lights : Mr Livesey reported that he had received a quotation of £13,423.00 for completing the installation of heritage street lights in Grange Street. He had accepted this on the basis that £7000.00 would come from theTown and Parish Agreement money and the balance of £6423.00 would be paid by the Parish Council.

11.13 Mr Padgett noted that the presentation on “Sustainable Rural Transport” originally scheduled for 19 th October 2009 had been deferred to a date to be confirmed in March 2010.

11.14 Correspondence . It was noted that the Central Beds. Highways programme had been received. It was agreed that the major priority for Clifton was Traffic calming and it was resolved to ask for this to be accelerated.

11.15. Forward Planner; The Forward Planner was submitted and expenditure to date was noted.

11.16 Other Matters; (a) Village of the Year; The judges would be visiting the village at 2.00 pm on Tuesday 6 th October 2009. The information and material requested by the judges had been forwarded. Mrs Livesey outlined the planned programme:- Assemble at Railway Steamer from where judges would be transported by the Whitbread Wanderbus to Woodlands Pre- School , where Mrs Saggers would speak to them and from thence to the Community Centre, church and cricket club . Other speakers lined up for the afternoon were Mr Padgett, Mr A. Oughton , Mr C. Weaver and Mrs J. Hagger. It was proposed that Mr J. Stevens should give an overview of activities at the Community Centre including football and the Day of the Child. This programme was approved. and in further discussion it was agreed that the judges should be presented with copies of the Clifton Chronicles and 2 Bedfordshire Clangers. Mr and Mrs Livesey undertook to purchase these.. It was also agreed that photographs of cricketers and some of the Day of the Family should be available at the Community Centre.

(b)It was noted with regret that Mr R. K. Bullen had resigned from the Parish Council as he would be moving shortly. The Clerk was asked to write to him with the Council's thanks and good wishes for the future..

The report was then accepted. Mr Edwards undertook to raise the matter of the 20 mph speed limit around Samuel Whitbread with the Governors of the college. Approval was given to the suggestion that the Bedfordshire Village of the Year prize money should be donated to organisations and £100.00 each should be given to the Cricket Club, Colts football and the Woodlands Pre-School.. Mr Fish noted that the footpaths and verges in Newis Crecent were badly worn, the lack of a footpath down the church side of Church Street was criticised. It was also agreed to pursue the matter of street lighting between Whiston Cresccent and the Stockbridge.

12. . Planning

The undermentioned plans had been returned to Central Beds with no objections:-

CB/09/05885/FULL: Widening of existing rear dormer window at 58 Church Street (Mr and Mrs Dawes)

CB/09/05856/FULL: Rear extension to existing garage, porch to front and conservatory to rear of 67 Clifton Park, New Road (Mr R. Cole)

CB/09/05894/FULL: Loft extension with two dormers to rear and two dormers to front and raising of roof at The Bungalow, Hitchin Lane (Mr Wilson)

CB/09/05970/FULL: Two storey rear extension and first floor front extension at 11 Manor Close, Clifton (Mr and Mrs McLelland)

Central Beds approved the application for;

CB/09/05515/FULL: Replacement gates, erection of new pillars and railings to existing wall at 35 Church Street. Clifton (Mr N. Fowler)

It wasreported that the firm developing the former Highways Depot had gone into liquidation and the site was now in the possession of Barclays Bank. The future is unclear.

13 Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey gave a short report on meetings concerning the advertising for a new head teacher

(b) Central Bedfordshire Council: Councillors Rogers and Clarke gave short reports. Mr Rogers noted that he had received numerous complaints about the standard of the hedge cutting down Broad Street.

(c) Other (i) A short report on the Green Infrastructure meeting held at the Church Hall Wed. 16 th September was presented.

(ii) Mr Padgett had attended the Annual General meeting of the Rural Communities Charity and gave a brief report.

14. Finance

:Current bank statements at 23.9.09 show

Community Account £ 3308.17

Instant Access Business Premium Account £101885.57 (now less £30,000.00 bond)

Outstanding accounts: Clifton (Sunday) Football teams

Receipts: The following receipts were reported: Henlow Village Badminton Club £44.00: Central Bedfordshire Council £17,000.00 ½ Precept; Mr R. Marriott Hire of Centre by H-Squared Electronics on 11.12.09 £84.00;

M. Ephgrave: Donation for use of tables £30.00: C. L. Weaver (on behalf of Clifton Cricket Club) £109.00; Ladies Social Hour (August) £33.00 (Sept) £44.00: J.C. Lanham: Hire of Centre 4.10.09 £128.00. Clifton Cuisine £86.00

Payment s Payment of the following accounts was authorised :-

Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for Oct.less tax and NI £598.51 (Ch101621/22

Mr J. Pasquet: Assistant Caretaker £100.00 (Ch101623)

W. J. Ferguson: Litter picking for month £60.00 (Ch101624 )

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in Sept.£292.50 (Ch10125)

D . Granger Tree cutting in village +VAT £103.50 (Ch101626 )

) B. Livesey: Refund of cost of plants and compost +VAT £84.00 (Ch101627 )

BDO Stoy Hayward: Audit fee +VAT £494.50 (Ch 101628)

Mr G. C. Dear: Cleaning of pathways £330. 00 (Ch 101629)

Adept Fabrications Limited: plate for repair of ramp+VAT £97.75 (Ch101630)

D. Harvey: Replacement of Cooker control switch £45.00 (Ch101631)

MBJ: Antisun film for 5 windows @ £65.00 per window +VAT£373.75

S. Kitulagoda: Payment for poppy wreath £25.00

J. C. Lanham: ¼ salary + refunds/expenses.

Transfer Authority was given for the transfer of £2000.00 from the Business Premium account to the Community Account.

15. . Dates of next meetings : Thurs 12 th November, Thurs 10 th December , Thurs 14 th January 2010